Authorities Directed to Undertake Comprehensive Measures to Restore Ecological Balance and Prevent Pollution
In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court has issued stringent directives aimed at safeguarding the sanctity and ecological balance of the River Pamba, a sacred site integral to the Sabarimala pilgrimage. The court's decision comes in response to gross negligence by contractors and local authorities, leading to the accumulation of waste and discarded clothes along the riverbanks.
Presided over by Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K.V. Jayakumar, the court highlighted the spiritual and ecological duty to maintain the purity of River Pamba, which serves as a spiritual pathway for devotees of Lord Ayyappa. The judgment stressed that the river's cleanliness is not merely an administrative task but a sacred obligation intertwined with the pilgrimage's spiritual ethos.
The case, initiated suo motu by the court, involved reports from the Sabarimala Special Commissioner detailing the alarming accumulation of waste materials in the river. Despite earlier assurances by the Travancore Devaswom Board and local authorities to address the issue, recent inspections revealed continued neglect and environmental degradation.
Photographic evidence presented to the court depicted large heaps of waste stagnating in the river, posing threats to aquatic life and public health. The court expressed its dismay over the failure of authorities to carry out restoration works, emphasizing the need for immediate, coordinated efforts to rectify the situation.
In its order, the Kerala High Court directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to ensure the removal of discarded clothes and waste materials promptly. The judgment mandates the participation of multiple institutions, including the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, Suchitwa Mission, and the Ranni Perunad Grama Panchayat, in conducting joint inspections and implementing effective waste management strategies.
The court underscored the importance of maintaining the river in an ecologically sustainable condition, advocating for scientific methods and adherence to statutory waste management protocols. The authorities are required to file detailed statements outlining their actions, compliance status, and proposals for long-term river conservation.
This ruling marks a significant step towards preserving the ecological integrity of River Pamba and reinforcing institutional accountability. It serves as a reminder of the collective reverence required to protect such sacred sites, ensuring they remain pristine for future generations of pilgrims.
Bottom Line:
Protection of River Pamba - The River Pamba, integral to the Sabarimala pilgrimage, must be preserved both as a natural water body and a sacred site. Dumping of clothes and waste into the river undermines its sanctity, ecological balance, and public health.
Statutory provision(s): Protection of River Pamba, Environmental Governance, Pollution Control
Suo Motu v. State of Kerala, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2844480
